Throughout the centuries, dogs were bred to be helpful companions. You can tap into this lineage by having your dog wear a backpack while hiking, cross country skiing, or just walking around your neighborhood. Wearing a pack can give your dog a sense of purpose and helpfulness, and packs can help calm dogs who are prone to fear aggression.[1] Additionally, backpacks can help make your typical walks more physically demanding, so your dog can get a good workout in less time. Before adding a backpack to your pet supply collection, though, you must properly measure your dog and try on packs to ensure that they fit correctly and don’t cause any unexpected injuries to your pup.

Steps

Method1

Preparing and Measuring to Buy a Backpack

1

Consult your veterinarian. While most dogs can use a backpack with no problems, some dogs with pre-existing health issues or skeletal problems should avoid using one. Talk with your veterinarian to see whether your dog is a candidate for wearing a backpack.[2]

Dogs that are not yet fully grown should not wear backpacks, because they can develop stressed joints or arthritis.[3]

2

Measure your dog’s girth. Use a soft, pliable tailor’s measuring tape to measure your dog around the widest part of its chest (the “girth” measurement). Measure your dog while it is standing, since that’s how it will carry the pack.

The girth measurement is the most important one when you are trying to find the proper size for your dog’s backpack, so record this measurement carefully.[4]

3

Locate the widest part of your dog’s neck. Examine your dog and find where its neck joins its body; this will be the widest point. This is the measurement you will need when determining backpack sizing.[5]

This is different from when you measure for a collar, which sits higher on a dog’s neck.

4

Determine your dog’s length. Measure your dog from the base of its neck to the base of its tail.

You want to ensure that the backpack you buy will place most of the weight near your dog’s shoulders, rather than lower on your dog’s back. Keep this in mind when comparing your length measurements to packs you are considering.

Method2

Assuring a Proper Fit and Making a Selection

1

Look for a snug fit. Once you have taken your measurements, you will have some idea of what sizes to try on your dog. A properly fitting backpack will fit snugly, but you should still be able to place a few fingers between the straps and your dog.

If the pack is too loose, it can affect the dog’s balance and cause them to walk improperly.[6]

A backpack that is too loose will move around too much while the dog walks, causing chafing or sores.

A manufacturer’s sizing guide can be helpful in narrowing down the sizes you should try for your dog.

2

Avoid packs that are too tight. Just as a loose pack can cause problems for your pup, a tight one can cause injury as well. A pack that is too tight can cause muscle strain to the shoulder and back muscles, as well as impede lung function.[7]

3

Make sure the backpack is comfortable for your dog. A good pack will have enough padding to protect your dog from the extra weight. There should also be plenty of ground clearance for the backpack once it is on your dog, and your dog should be able to lay down when wearing it.[8]

Your dog’s legs should move freely and unimpeded when wearing the pack.

Shorter dogs will need shallow saddle bags that do not go further than 1 inch down the elbow of the dog.[9]

4

Select a pack with adjustable straps. You want the pack to be secure on your dog’s back instead of sliding down or off. Strong, adjustable chest straps will also ensure that the weight load is on the correct part of your dog’s back (near the shoulders rather than the loin).[10]

Consider additional features. Water resistance and removable saddlebags are good features to look for if you’re planning to hike through creeks or near water with your dog. A bright color and reflective panels will make your dog easier to find if it gets away from you while hiking.

The weight of the pack is an additional consideration. Look for one that is lightweight, weighing one pound or less.[11]

Method3

Introducing Your Dog to the Pack and Staying Safe

1

Be patient and persistent. Your dog may initially resist wearing a pack and try to avoid letting you put it on. To counter this, be patient, stock up on treats, and let the dog examine the pack first before you put it on.

Don’t traumatize your dog by forcing the pack on the first time your dog sees it. This can cause stress for your dog.[13]

2

Start with an empty pack. The first time you successfully get your dog in the pack, don’t add any additional weight. Rather, once the pack is on, reward your dog with treats and go for a fun walk or hike. Your dog will soon associate wearing the pack with treats and fun times together.[14]

3

Avoid overloading your dog. Once your dog is ready to carry some items in the pack, it is important to remember not to load it down too much. Dogs should never carry more than 25 percent of their body weight in a backpack.[15]

Stronger healthier dogs with a high energy level may be able to carry a bit heavier load, and smaller weaker dogs may not be able to carry more than 10 percent of their body weight.

Too much weight in a backpack can lead to curvature of the spine, so always weigh your pack before placing it on your dog.[16]

4

Distribute the weight evenly. You want to be sure that one side of the pack is not heavier than another. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed on each side so that your dog does not lose its balance.[17]

Also make sure that the majority of the weight is near your dog’s shoulders, with less weight further down on its back.

5

Give your dog time to adjust. Your dog will need to build its muscles to handle the extra weight in a pack. A 15-minute walk with a weighted pack is equivalent to a 30-minute walk without, for example.[18] So, slowly increase the amount of weight or gear your dog will carry in the pack.[19]